IBAB Approves Jeffrey Gedmin as President and CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks

23 October 2024

IBAB Approves Jeffrey Gedmin as President and CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks

The International Broadcasting Advisory Board (IBAB) – which provides oversight and strategic guidance to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) – unanimously authorized the board of Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) to name Jeffrey Gedmin as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Gedmin has served as MBN’s Acting President and CEO since April 2024.

“We are elated to pave the way for Jeff’s continued leadership at MBN,” said IBAB Chair Kenneth Jarin. “His vast experience and tremendous wealth of knowledge make clear that he is the right person to lead the networks into a new era. We look forward to continuing to work alongside him every step of the way.”

Gedmin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the IBAB in 2023, where he served before becoming MBN’s Acting President and CEO earlier this year. He was Interim President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) from July to December 2023, and previously served as RFE/RL’s President and CEO for four years.

Gedmin was co-founder and editor-in-chief of American Purpose, and former president/CEO of the London-based Legatum Institute. Prior to leading RFE/RL, he served as president and CEO of the Aspen Institute in Berlin, was a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., and was Executive Director of the New Atlantic Initiative.

Gedmin has authored and edited several books about German and European security, and co-executive produced two major documentaries for PBS.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on several advisory boards, including the Institute for State Effectiveness, the Justice for Journalists Foundation, the Tocqueville Conversations, and the Institute for Current World Affairs. Together with former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norm Eisen, Gedmin is co-chair of the Transatlantic Democracy Working Group, hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States. He is currently a Research Council Member at the National Endowment for Democracy, senior fellow at Georgetown University and at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

Gedmin earned his M.A. in German Area Studies from American University. He received his Ph.D. from Georgetown University in German Area Studies and Linguistics.

[Source: IBAB press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus in October: The Sound of Vietnam – Dramatizing 50 years of friendship

1 October 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus in October: The Sound of Vietnam – Dramatizing 50 years of friendship

The Sound of Vietnam – dramatizing 50 years of friendship

The Sound of Vietnam Ep.1 Oct 5 Sat. Ep.2 Oct 12 Sat. Ep.3 Oct 19 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) While the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra faces a threat to its survival, a Japanese conductor is chosen to save it! The story’s protagonist is a young Japanese conductor, Sakura Kazuo. Following a chance encounter, Kazuo is asked to rebuild the Vietnamese orchestra. With a strong belief to fulfill what he promised, he travels to the country and passionately gives guidance. However, he soon finds himself facing many difficulties.
Legendary Games Chronicle: Final Fantasy Oct 11 Fri. 2:30/7:30/13:30/19:30 (UTC) In this episode revealing the start of a famous Japanese game series, we journey into the origin of the legendary RPG Final Fantasy by meeting its creators.

U.S. Agency for Global Media awards lease securing VOA move to new Downtown D.C. headquarters

27 September 2024

U.S. Agency for Global Media awards lease securing VOA move to new Downtown D.C. headquarters

Today, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) awarded a new lease, cementing 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW as its future headquarters and the home of Voice of America (VOA) – the oldest of the five broadcast entities the independent federal agency oversees. The agency’s move to a modern facility will save taxpayers more than $150 million over the course of its 15-year lease. The relocation will begin in the coming months and occur in phases over the next several years.

“Our move to 1875 Penn marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter that will reimagine USAGM for the future,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “As one of the world’s biggest media organizations, our work remains critical – particularly in the face of censorship, malign influence and information manipulation at the hands of authoritarian regimes. Ensuring our continued ability to compete is the first and perhaps most vital step in winning the global information war. This move will dramatically enhance our technological capacity, and most importantly, improve our ability to reach audiences in regions without a free press. I am inspired by this incredible new era, and all that will be made possible because of it.”

USAGM and VOA’s move from the Wilbur J. Cohen Building will allow the agency to operate more efficiently and secure significant cost savings that can be reinvested in technology and infrastructure to expand its reach to key markets where malign influence and censorship pervade. Further, the move to a more efficient space echoes a broader push to reimagine federal workspaces across Washington, D.C.

The Cohen Building has been home to Voice of America and U.S. international public service broadcasting since 1954, and was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as a National Historic Site for Journalism in 2022. Originally built for the Social Security Administration and listed among the District of Columbia’s Inventory of Historic Sites, the Cohen Building exemplifies the Stripped Classical and Egyptian Revival styles popular at the time of its inception. However, it was never optimized for a modern news organization. Even so, the Cohen Building has served as an international hub for trusted news and information for generations.

“While the Cohen Building is full of great memories, the new headquarters offers Voice of America the opportunity to modernize its operations and facilities so that we are better positioned to fulfill our vital mission in a world where authoritarian powers are spending billions to undermine the free press and disrupt access to truthful news,” said Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees five international broadcast entities, including the Voice of America, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, in addition to the Open Technology Fund and Frontline Media Fund, all of which seek to connect, inform and engage people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. Collectively, they provide trustworthy news and information to over 420 million people around the world weekly.

[Source: USAGM press release]

Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

16 September 2024

Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

Al Arabiya News Network, the Arab world’s leading source of news, announces its international expansion of its English-language news segments and the introduction of brand-new shows fronted by some of the world’s best-known journalists.

This strategic expansion highlights Al Arabiya’s commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive news coverage to viewers worldwide beyond its award-winning core Arabic-language TV channel and digital platforms.

Joining are a plethora of top names from the global news scene including Rosanna Lockwood, and Tom Burges Watson, who will be covering a wide range of topics from international politics and current affairs to culture and human-interest stories.

Mamdouh AlMuhaini, General Manager of Al Arabiya Network stated: “We are delighted to introduce Al Arabiya News Network’s English-language programming line-up. This international expansion reflects our dedication to providing our viewers with diverse perspectives and insightful analysis on the issues that matter most.

“We are looking forward to reaching new audiences around the world, providing them the trusted and accurate news coverage that our original Arabic network is known for.”

Global News Today (GNT) with Rosanna Lockwood

Backed by an industry-leading team, British journalist Rosanna Lockwood deploys her interviewing skills and deep journalism experience to bring viewers their daily dose of world news via compelling guests, expert insights, and analysis.

“Global News Today” encompasses wall-to wall coverage of the biggest global events – such as the recent UK General Election – and a comprehensive look at the issues shaping the world, while seeking to inform, educate and entertain.

About Rosanna Lockwood:

Working as a presenter and correspondent for major networks across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Rosanna Lockwood has fronted prime-time news shows from London, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, and Singapore. Prior to joining Al Arabiya News Network, Lockwood hosted her own daily news show on Talk TV in the UK. She has also presented for CNBC, MSNBC, Reuters, the BBC, Bloomberg TV, LBC, and ITN.

WE News with Tom Burges Watson

Fluent in English, French, Italian and Japanese (plus knowledge of basic Arabic), Tom Burges Watson joins Al Arabiya News Network as English-language news presenter. He brings with him nearly two decades of experience in television, radio, and print media.

Watson has rich experience in delivering breaking news and has covered major events such as the 2015 Paris attacks, the Beirut explosion, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

About Tom Burges Watson:

Until June 2024, Tom was the host of the evening news show “Prime News Paris” on France 24, a channel of which he was part of for the past 15 years. Alongside his role at France 24, Watson also worked as Paris Correspondent for Monocle Magazine. Prior to his time in France, Watson worked with CNN International in the United Kingdom.

TUNE IN NOW

Discover Al Arabiya News Network including its brand-new English content via Al Arabiya on free-to-air satellite TV, as well as the following online channels:

Global News Today (GNT) presented by Rosanna Lockwood: Live daily at 21:30 KSA / 18:30 GMT / 14:30 ET
We News presented by Tom Burges Watson: Live daily at 20:00 KSA / 17:00 GMT / 13:00 ET
English website: english.alarabiya.net
YouTube: AlArabiyaEnglish
Catch highlights on TikTok: @alarabiya_eng
And Instagram: @alarabiya_eng
All episodes can be found on Al Arabiya’s Facebook page & YouTube channel.
[Source: Al Arabiya press release]

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

16 September 2024

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

Already available on digital platforms in New Zealand, France 24 is launching its English channel on the Freeview DTT service in the country, which reaches 3.2 million users – 87% of the population.

Starting September 16, 2024, Freeview viewers can access France 24 English’s live broadcasts for free on channel #200 during the following time slots: weekdays from 1 am to 7 am and 12 pm to 1 pm, as well as weekends from 3 am to 9 am.

[Source: France 24 press release]